Temperature regulation apparatus of magnetic thermal storage medium type and vehicle air-conditioning system

ABSTRACT

A temperature regulation apparatus comprises an air path, a heat exchange path for a heat exchanging fluid, a magnetic thermal storage unit having a magnetic thermal storage medium which increases in temperature upon magnetization and decreases in temperature upon demagnetization, and a magnetic field generating unit for generating a magnetic field in the air path or the heat exchange path. The medium of the unit assumes one of a high temperature state and a low temperature state with the movement of the unit into the air path, and the other state with the movement of the unit into the heat exchange path. When the unit moves to the air path so the medium assumes the high temperature state, heat is radiated to the air, while when the unit moves to the air path so the medium assumes the low temperature state, heat is absorbed from the air.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a temperature regulation apparatus of amagnetic thermal storage medium type having a magnetic thermal storagemedium which increases in temperature, due to the magneto-caloriceffect, upon magnetization and decreases in temperature upondemagnetization and a vehicle air-conditioning system using thetemperature regulation apparatus for vehicles.

2. Description of the Related Art

A conventional temperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermalstorage medium type is available which can be used even at normaltemperature. This temperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermalstorage medium type comprises a heat exchange circuit with a heatexchanging fluid flowing therethrough, a radiator for discharging theheat of the heat exchanging fluid, a cooler reduced in temperature bythe heat absorbed by the heat exchanging fluid, a circulator forcirculating the heat exchanging fluid in the heat exchange circuit, amagnetic thermal storage unit for accommodating the magnetic thermalstorage medium in a container and a magnetic field generating means forgenerating a magnetic field. This temperature regulation apparatus of amagnetic thermal storage medium type can assume a high temperature statein which the magnetic thermal storage medium is magnetized by themagnetic field and a low temperature state in which the magnetic thermalstorage medium is demagnetized. In these two states, heat is exchangedwith the heat exchanging fluid. The heat exchanging fluid in theradiator discharges heat to an object of heat radiation, while the heatexchanging fluid in the cooler absorbs heat from an object of cooling.Specifically, as the magnetic thermal storage medium is magnetized, heatis radiated to the heat exchanging fluid. The heat exchanging fluidwhich has absorbed heat from the magnetic thermal storage medium flowsto the radiator and radiates heat to the object of heating. The heatexchanging fluid that has radiated heat to the object of heating in theradiator flows toward the magnetic thermal storage medium that has beendemagnetized and reduced in temperature. Next, the heat exchangingfluid, from which heat is absorbed into the magnetic thermal storagemedium, flows to the cooler thereby to absorb heat from the object ofcooling.

In the prior art described above, heat is exchanged between the heatexchanging fluid and the magnetic thermal storage medium at high or lowtemperature, and then heat is radiated by the radiator to the object ofheating and absorbed by the cooler from the object of cooling. In thisway, heat is exchanged indirectly with the heat exchanging fluidinterposed between the magnetic thermal storage medium, the radiator andthe cooler. Therefore, a radiator, a cooler, a heat exchange circuit anda circulator to circulate the heat exchanging fluid are required. Thisposes the problem that the configuration of the temperature regulationapparatus of a magnetic thermal storage medium type is complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned points, the object of this invention is toprovide a temperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storagemedium type in which heat can be exchanged directly between the magneticthermal storage medium and the air.

In order to accomplish the above object, according to a first aspect ofthe present invention, there is provided a temperature regulationapparatus of magnetic thermal storage medium type comprising: an airpath (9) through which the air is allowed to flow; a heat exchange path(14) through which a heat exchanging fluid is allowed to flow; at leasta magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) including a magneticthermal storage medium (13) increased to high temperature due to themagneto-caloric effect when magnetized and decreased to low temperaturewhen demagnetized; and a magnetic field generating means (27, 28, 37)for generating a magnetic field in selected one of the air path (9) andthe heat exchange path (14); wherein the magnetic thermal storage unit(10, 16, 50) is movable to the air path (9) and the heat exchange path(14); wherein with the movement of the magnetic thermal storage unit(10, 16, 50) to the air path (9), the magnetic thermal storage medium(13) is set in one of the high temperature state and the low temperaturestate depending on selected one of magnetization and demagnetization ofthe magnetic field generating means (27, 28, 37), while, with themovement of the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to the heatexchange path (14), the magnetic thermal storage medium (13) is set inthe other of the high temperature state and the low temperature statedepending on selected one of magnetization and demagnetization of themagnetic field generating means (27, 28, 37); and wherein, in the casewhere the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) moves to the airpath (9) and the magnetic thermal storage medium (13) is set in the hightemperature state, heat is radiated to the air while, in the case wherethe magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) moves to the air path (9)and the magnetic thermal storage medium (13) is set in the lowtemperature state, heat is absorbed from the air.

In this aspect of the invention, the magnetic thermal storage unit (10,16, 50) is movable between an air path (9) and a heat exchange path(14), and therefore heat can be exchanged between the air in the airpath (9) and the heat exchanging fluid in the heat exchange path (14).Specifically, in the case where the magnetic thermal storage unit (10,16, 50) moves so that a magnetic thermal storage medium (13) ismagnetized and increased in temperature to such an extent that thetemperature of the air in the air path (9) or the heat exchanging fluidin the heat exchange path (14) is lower than the high temperature of themagnetic thermal storage medium (13), heat is radiated to the air or theheat exchanging fluid, as the case may be. In the case where themagnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) moves so that the magneticthermal storage medium (13) is demagnetized and decreased in temperatureto such an extent that the temperature of the air in the air path (9) orthe heat exchanging fluid in the heat exchange path (14) is higher thanthe low temperature of the magnetic thermal storage unit (13), on theother hand, heat is absorbed from the air or the heat exchanging fluid,as the case may be. In this way, with the movement of the magneticthermal storage unit (10, 16, 50), the magnetic thermal storage medium(13) is increased or decreased in temperature, so that heat can beexchanged between the air in the air path (9) and the heat exchangingfluid in the heat exchange path (14). Also, a magnetic field generatingmeans (27, 28, 37) can generate a magnetic field in the air path (9) orthe heat exchange path (14), and therefore can increase or decrease thetemperature of the magnetic thermal storage medium (13) in the air path(9) or the magnetic thermal storage medium (13) in the air exchange path(14). As a result, the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) cannot only exchange heat directly with the air introduced into an indoorenvironment but also cool or heat the air introduced into the indoorenvironment. In short, with the movement of the magnetic thermal storageunit (10, 16, 50) between the air path (9) and the heat exchange path(14), a refrigeration cycle is formed in which heat is stored in andradiated from the magnetic thermal storage medium (13).

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype in the first aspect of the invention, wherein the magnetic fieldgenerating means (27, 28, 37) is arranged in both the air path (9) andthe heat exchange path (14). Thus, the magnetic thermal storage medium(13) in the air path (9) can be increased to high or low temperature,and therefore the air can be cooled or heated, as the case may be.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype in the first aspect of the invention, wherein the magnetic fieldgenerating means (27, 28, 37) is arranged movably to one of the air path(9) and the heat exchange path (14). Thus, a magnetic field can begenerated in the air path (9) or the heat exchange path (14).

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype in the first aspect of the invention, wherein the heat exchangingfluid is the air and the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) hasa moisture absorber (12) integrated therewith for absorbing the moisturefrom the air. Therefore, the moisture can be absorbed from the air andan indoor humidity increase can be suppressed. In the case where themagnetic thermal storage medium (13) enters the magnetic field andincreases in temperature, on the other hand, the moisture absorber (12)is heated and therefore regenerated. In the case where the magneticthermal storage medium (13) is demagnetized and decreases intemperature, the moisture can be removed by the moisture absorber (12).Therefore, the magnetic thermal storage medium (13) is prevented fromfreezing while at the same time preventing a window from misting in asmall indoor environment such as a vehicle compartment.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda temperature regulation apparatus of magnetic thermal storage mediumtype in the first aspect of the invention, wherein the air path (9), theheat exchange path (14), the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50)and the magnetic field generating means (27, 28, 37) are arranged in anautomotive vehicle, the apparatus further comprising a first outside airinlet (4) for introducing the air from outside the vehicle to the airpath (9), an inside air path (5) for introducing the air in the vehicleto the air path (9), and a first inside-outside air switching door (6)arranged upstream of the air path (9) in the air flow for switching theoutside air and the inside air, and wherein the air flows into the airpath (9) from the first outside air inlet (4) to thereby control the aircondition in the compartments of the vehicle when the firstinside-outside air switching door (6) turns to the outside airintroduction side.

In the case where a magnetic field exists in the heat exchange path(14), therefore, the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) absorbsheat from the air in the air path (9) and radiates heat into the air inthe heat exchange path (14) thereby to cool the indoor air. In the casewhere a magnetic field exists in the air path (9), on the other hand,the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) radiates heat to the airin the air path (9) and absorbs heat from the air in the heat exchangepath (14) thereby to heat the indoor air. By introducing the air from afirst outside air inlet (4) in this way, the increase in the carbondioxide concentration in the indoor environment can be suppressed whileat the same time discharging the odor from the indoor environment.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is providedA temperature regulation apparatus of magnetic thermal storage mediumtype in the fourth aspect of the invention, further comprising: a firstblower (7) for sending a selected one of the outside air and the insideair to the air path (9); a second outside air inlet (29) for introducingthe outside air to the heat exchange path (14); an inside air inlet (14a) for introducing the inside air to the heat exchange path (14); an airoutlet (14 b) for discharging the air from the heat exchange path (14);a second inside-outside air switching door (15) for switching betweenthe inside air from the inside air inlet (14 a) and the outside air fromthe second outside air inlet (29); and a second blower (17) for sendinga selected one of the outside air and the inside air from the heatexchange path (14) to the air outlet (14 b).

Thus, the air in the air path (9) can be sent into the indoorenvironment by a first blower (7), and the air in the heat exchange path(14) can be discharged outdoors by a second blower (17). In the casewhere the air to which heat is radiated from the magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) is sent into the indoor environment throughthe air path (9), therefore, the air of which heat is radiated from themagnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) is sent to an air outlet (14b) through the heat exchange path (14). Also, the outside air can beintroduced into the heat exchange path (14) from a second outside airinlet (29) by a second inside-outside air switching door (15).Therefore, the outside air from the second outside air inlet (29) ispassed through the heat exchange path (14) to exchange heat with themagnetic thermal storage medium (13). It is therefore not necessary toexchange heat by sending the conditioned indoor air to the heat exchangepath (14), thereby making it possible to regulate the indoor temperatureefficiently. In this case, the conditioned air is circulated in theindoor environment, and therefore the outdoor dust and dirt cannoteasily enter the indoor environment.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype in the sixth aspect of the invention, wherein the second blower(17) and the first blower (7) are arranged adjacently to each other, andtherefore can be driven with a single motor. The use of a single motormakes it possible to match the air capacity between the first blower (7)and the second blower (17).

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a temperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermalstorage medium type in the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein themovement of the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to the airpath (9) sets the magnetic thermal storage medium (13) in the lowtemperature state, and the movement of the magnetic thermal storage unit(10, 16, 50) to the heat exchange path (14) sets the magnetic thermalstorage medium (13) in the high temperature state, and wherein, with themovement of the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to the airpath (9), the moisture absorber (12) is located upstream of the magneticthermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow and the magneticthermal storage medium (13) is located downstream of the magneticthermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow, while with themovement of the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to the heatexchange path (14), the magnetic thermal storage medium (13) is locatedupstream of the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) in the airflow and the moisture absorber (12) is located downstream of themagnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow.

In this aspect of the invention, the magnetic field generating means(27, 28, 37) generates a magnetic field in the heat exchange path (14).The magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50), therefore, absorbs heatfrom the air after moving to the air path (9). In this case, with themovement of the thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to the air path (9),the moisture absorber (12) arranged upstream of the magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow absorbs moisture from thepassing air, and therefore the air flowing indoors can be dehumidified.Also, in view of the fact that the magnetic thermal storage medium (13)is located upstream of the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) inthe air flow, the magnetic thermal storage medium (13) of the magneticthermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) having moved to the heat exchange path(14) radiates heat to the passing air, and the resulting heated air issent to the moisture absorber (12) thereby to regenerate the moistureabsorber (12).

According to an ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda temperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype in the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the movement of themagnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to the air path (9) sets themagnetic thermal storage medium (13) in the high temperature state, andthe movement of the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to theheat exchange path (14) sets the magnetic thermal storage medium (13) inthe low temperature state, wherein with the movement of the magneticthermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to the air path (9), the magneticthermal storage medium (13) is located upstream of the magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow and the moisture absorber (12)is located downstream of the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50)in the air flow, while with the movement of the magnetic thermal storageunit (10, 16, 50) to the heat exchange path (14), the moisture absorber(12) is located upstream of the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16,50) in the air flow and the magnetic thermal storage medium (13) islocated downstream of the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) inthe air flow.

The magnetic field generating means (27, 28, 37) generates a magneticfield in the air path (9). With the movement of the magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) to the air path (9), therefore, heat isradiated to the air. In such a case, the movement of the magneticthermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to the air path (9) causes heatradiation to the passing air from the magnetic thermal storage medium(13) of the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50). Thus, themoisture in the moisture absorber (12) located downstream of themagnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) is sent indoors. With themovement of the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to the heatexchange path (14), on the other hand, the moisture can be absorbed bythe moisture absorber (12) from the air in the heat exchange path (14).Thus, the humidity change of the indoor air is suppressed.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype in the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the magnetic thermalstorage medium (13) and the moisture absorber (12) are accommodated inthe same container and, therefore, heat is efficiently transmitted tothe moisture absorber (12) at the time of heat radiation from themagnetic thermal storage medium (13). Thus, the moisture absorber (12)can be efficiently regenerated.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype in the first aspect of the invention, wherein the magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) includes a filter (11) for removing the dustand dirt from the air, and therefore foul outdoor air is prevented fromentering the indoor environment.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype in the eleventh aspect of the invention wherein, in the case wherethe magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) moves to the air path(9), the filter (11) is located upstream of the magnetic thermal storagemedium (13) in the air flow, and in the case where the magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) moves to the heat exchange path (14), themagnetic thermal storage medium (13) is located upstream of the filter(11) in the air flow. Therefore, the dust and dirt in the air cannoteasily flow indoors through the air path (9), and therefore areprevented from flowing indoors while at the same time protecting themagnetic thermal storage medium (13) and the moisture absorber (12).Also, the dust and dirt attached to the filter (11) in the heat exchangepath (14) can be discharged outdoors.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype in the first aspect of the invention, wherein the magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) is configured of a first magnetic thermalstorage unit (10) and a second magnetic thermal storage unit (16), andwith the movement of one of the first magnetic thermal storage unit (10)and the second magnetic thermal storage unit (16) to the air path (9),the other magnetic thermal storage unit moves to the heat exchange path(14). With the movement of the first magnetic thermal storage unit (10)and the second magnetic thermal storage unit (10), therefore, themagnetic thermal storage medium (13) alternates between high temperaturestate and low temperature state. Thus, the temperature and humidity ofthe air passing through the air path (9) can be regulated continuouslywhile at the same time making it possible to alternately operate andregenerate the moisture absorber (12).

According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype and a vehicle air-conditioning system, wherein the air path (9),the heat exchange path (14), the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16,50) and the magnetic field generating means (17, 28, 37) are arranged inthe vehicle in such a manner that a specified internal part of thevehicle is cooled by at least the air passing through the air path (9).Therefore, the invention is applicable to a vehicle air-conditioningsystem having a simpler structure than the conventional vehicleair-conditioning system configured of a cooling heat exchanger utilizingthe gas-liquid phase change and a heating heat exchanger utilizing thewaste heat of the engine.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype and a vehicle air-conditioning system in the fourteenth aspect ofthe invention, further comprising a boarding will confirming means (65)for confirming the intention of a possible occupant outside the vehicleto board the vehicle, wherein the will of a possible occupant to boardthe vehicle is confirmed before activating the magnetic thermal storageunit (10, 16, 50) and the magnetic field generating means (27, 28, 37).Then, the compartments of the vehicle can be air-conditioned before thepossible occupant boards the vehicle.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype and a vehicle air-conditioning system in the fourteenth aspect ofthe invention, further comprising an announcing means (66) for detectingthe air-conditioning conditions in the vehicle and announcing outsidethe vehicle the information on the air-conditioning conditions in thevehicle with the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) and themagnetic field generating means (27, 28, 37) in operation. In this way,the air-conditioning conditions in the vehicle can be announced outsidethe vehicle. In other words, the uncomfortable temperature and theoffensive fan noises in the initial stage of air-conditioning operationcan be avoided by the observation from outside the vehicle.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, there is provided atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype and a vehicle air-conditioning system in the fourteenth aspect ofthe invention, further comprising an air-conditioning unit (42, 43)including an evaporator operated by a drive source in the vehicle forcooling the air with the refrigerant, wherein upon detection of aninsufficient air-conditioning capability of the air-conditioning system,the magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) and the magnetic fieldgenerating means (27, 28, 37) are activated. In this way, thetemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype can be used as an auxiliary device for the vehicle air-conditioningcontrol system.

Incidentally, the reference numerals in parentheses, to denote the abovemeans, are intended to show the relationship of the specific means whichwill be described later in an embodiment of the invention.

The present invention may be more fully understood from the descriptionof preferred embodiments of the invention set forth below, together withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing a vehicle inlongitudinal position according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing first and secondmagnetic thermal storage units in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a magnetic fieldgenerating means in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a magnetic fieldgenerating means according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing first and secondmagnetic thermal storage units according to a third embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the internal structure with a magneticthermal storage medium and a moisture absorber integrated with eachother in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view schematically showing a vehicle inlongitudinal position according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view schematically showing a vehicle inlongitudinal position according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view schematically showing first and second airpaths according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view schematically showing a vehicle inlongitudinal position according to a seventh embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a general configuration according to aneighth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a general configuration according to aninth embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first embodiment of the invention is explained below. FIG. 1 is asectional view schematically showing an automotive vehicle 1 inlongitudinal position according to the first embodiment of theinvention. In FIG. 1, the arrows indicate the four directions in whichthe vehicle and the temperature regulation apparatus of a magneticthermal storage medium type are positioned. The two circles in thevehicle 1 indicate front tires 2 and rear tires 3, respectively.

A first outside air inlet 4 for introducing the air into thecompartments is formed on the front side of the vehicle 1. An inside airpath 5 through which the air in the compartments circulates is formed onthe side rear of the first outside air inlet 4 in the vehicle. A firstinside-outside air switching door 6 for switching the air path isarranged between the first outside air inlet 4 and the inside air path5. The first inside-outside air switching door 6 includes a doorrevolving means such as a motor not shown and is arranged in a rotatablymovable way. FIG. 1 shows the position in which the first inside-outsideair switching door 6 closes the inside air path 5 and opens the firstoutside air inlet 4.

A first blower 7 is arranged under the first outside air inlet 4. Thefirst air blower 7 is adapted to blow the air rearward of the vehicle.The first blower 7 includes a first blower motor 8 for driving the firstblower 7.

A first air path 9 is arranged on the side rear of the first blower 7 inthe vehicle. The air is supplied into the compartments through the firstair path 9. A first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 for exchanging heatwith the air flowing into the compartments is arranged in the first airpath 9. The first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 includes an air pathallowing the air to flow back and forth in the direction along thelength of the vehicle. In the air path of the first magnetic thermalstorage unit 10, a filter 11 for removing the dust and dirt contained inthe air, a moisture absorber 12 for reducing the humidity of the air anda magnetic thermal storage medium 13 having the magneto-caloric effectof increasing the temperature upon magnetization and decreasing thetemperature upon demagnetization are arranged in that order from thefront to rear side of the vehicle. The magnetic thermal storage medium13 is formed of, for example, gadolinium or the like material.

A second air path 14 constituting a waste heat path according to theinvention is arranged under the first air path 9. The second air path 14is adapted to send the air out of the compartments. A secondinside-outside air switching door 15 operatively interlocked with thefirst inside-outside air switching door 6 is arranged on the side rearof the second air path 14 in the vehicle. The second inside-outside airswitching door 15 includes a door revolving means such as a motor notshown and is arranged in a rotatably movable way. As long as the secondinside-outside air switching door 15 is at a position to close thecompartments side of the second air path 14 (the position indicated bythe corrugation in the drawing), the outside air flows in by way of thesecond outside air inlet 29 arranged in the second air path 14 and flowstoward the front of the vehicle. The second outside air inlet 29 isarranged under the second air path 14.

The second air path 14 has arranged therein a second magnetic thermalstorage unit 16 for exchanging heat with the air flowing out of thecompartments. The second magnetic thermal storage unit 16, like thefirst magnetic thermal storage unit 10, is adapted to pass the airtherethrough. The second magnetic thermal storage unit 16, like thefirst magnetic thermal storage unit 10, includes a filter 11, a moistureabsorber 12 and a magnetic thermal storage medium 13 arranged in thatorder from the front to rear side of the vehicle. The moisture absorber12 and the magnetic thermal storage medium 13 are each fixedly arrangedon a seat not shown. This seat has a corrugated form, for example. Aflat plate is arranged between the corrugated seats. The flat plate isconnected to the crests of the wave of the corrugated seats so that theair can flow between the flat plate and the corrugated seats. Theseseats are arranged in the containers of the magnetic thermal storagemedia 13 of the first and second magnetic thermal storage units 10, 16.This container is formed of a nonmagnetic material. The magnetic thermalstorage medium 13 may be fixedly arranged in a predetermined shape suchas a rectangle or a circle or coated on the seat. As an alternative, themagnetic thermal storage medium 13 in a powdered form may be sealed in athin container.

A second blower 17 is arranged on the side forward of the secondmagnetic thermal storage unit 16 in the vehicle. The second blower 17 isadapted to send the air in the direction forward of the vehicle. The airthus sent forward of the vehicle is discharged from an air outlet 14 bformed in the second air path 14. The second blower 17 includes a secondblower motor 18 for driving the second blower 17. A CO₂ sensor 19 formeasuring the CO₂ concentration in the compartments is arranged in thecompartments. In addition to the air outlet 14 b, a rear air outlet 60is also arranged in the compartments. The rear air outlet 60 has an airoutlet door 61. The air outlet door 61 is connected rotatably to a servomotor not shown. The air outlet door 61 is adapted to discharge the airin the case where the second inside-outside air switching door 15 is insuch a position as to close the compartments side of the second air path14 and the first inside-outside air switching door 6 introduces theoutside air. The magnetic field generating means 27, 28 are arranged inthe first and second air paths 9, 14, respectively. The magnetic fieldgenerating means 27, 28 are described in detail later.

The first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and the second magneticthermal storage unit 16 are adapted to slide up and down between thefirst air path 9 and the second air path 14. In this slide motion, oneof the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and the second magneticthermal storage unit 16 moves to the first air path 9, for example,while the other magnetic thermal storage unit moves to the second airpath 14.

The configuration of the first and second magnetic thermal storage units10, 16 is explained in detail with reference to FIG. 2. The secondmagnetic thermal storage unit 16 is arranged on the front side of thevehicle, and the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 is arranged onthe rear side of the vehicle. The first and second magnetic thermalstorage units 10, 16 are connected to a driving-side wire 20 and adriven-side wire 21.

The driven-side wire 21 is connected to the upper end of each of thefirst and second magnetic thermal storage units 10, 16 along the heightof the vehicle. The driving-side wire 20 is connected to the lower endof each of the first and second magnetic thermal storage units 10, 16along the height of the vehicle.

The driving-side wire 20 is connected to the first and second magneticthermal storage units 10, 16 through a driving-side rotor 22, and withthe rotation of the driving-side rotor 22, moves the first and secondmagnetic thermal storage units 10, 16 up and down. The driving-siderotor 22 is coupled to a drive shaft 23. With the rotation of the driveshaft 23, the driving-side rotor 22 is rotated. An end of the driveshaft 23 is connected to a rotary shaft, not shown, of the driving motor24, and the other end thereof is rotatably supported on a support membernot shown. With the rotation of the driving motor 24, the drive shaft 23is rotated.

The driven-side wire 21, on the other hand, is connected to the firstand second magnetic thermal storage units 10, 16 through a driven-siderotor 25. The driven-side rotor 25 is rotatably held on a driven-sideshaft 26, and with the upward or downward motion of the first and secondmagnetic thermal storage units 10, 16, rotated by the driven-side wire21. The ends of the driven-side shaft 26 are supported by a supportmember not shown.

The first and second magnetic thermal storage units 10, 16 include guideunits 10 a, 16 a, respectively. The guide units 10 a, 16 a are fittedslidably in the guide grooves, not shown, formed in the first and secondair paths 9, 14, respectively. The first and second magnetic thermalstorage units 10, 16, being guided by the guide grooves in this way, canbe moved upward and downward smoothly.

The magnetic field generating means for magnetizing the first and secondmagnetic thermal storage units 10, 16 is explained in detail withreference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a firstelectromagnet 27 and a second electromagnet 28. The first electromagnet27 and the second electromagnet 28 are each formed in the shape ofsubstantially “U”. The substantially U-shaped opening is arranged insuch a position as to cover the outer surface of the first and secondair paths 9, 14.

The first and second electromagnets 27, 28 are configured of a firstcoil 27 b and a second coil 28 b including first and second iron cores27 a, 28 a wound with wires, respectively. The widths 27 c, 28 c of thefirst and second iron cores 27 a, 28 a are larger by the width of themagnetic thermal storage medium 13 than the width of the first andsecond thermal storage units 10, 16, respectively. Even in the casewhere the first and second magnetic thermal storage units 10, 16 slidealternately, therefore, the magnetic field is able to cover the magneticthermal storage media 13 of the first and second magnetic thermalstorage units 10, 16.

Next, the electrical control unit according to this embodiment isexplained briefly. A plurality of setting units not shown are arrangedin the compartments. The setting units specifically include, though notshown, an inside-outside air switch setting unit, a temperature settingunit, an air capacity setting unit and a blowdown mode setting unit. Thevehicle 1 includes air-conditioning sensors not shown. According to thisembodiment, the air-conditioning system is automatically controlledbased on the detection values of the air-conditioning sensors. Theoperating information and the detection values of these sensors areinput to a control device not shown.

The control device is configured of a well-known microcomputer such as aCPU, a ROM, a RAM and the peripheral circuits thereof. Each controlvalue is calculated based on the operating information of the occupantsand the input values of the air-conditioning sensors. The control deviceis adapted to output each control value thus calculated to each controlunit. The control units include a control unit, not shown, for the firstblower motor 8, a control unit for the first coil 27 b or the secondcoil 28 b, and a control unit, not shown, for the servo motor 24.Various control signals include a blower voltage signal for the firstblower motor 8, an energization signal of the first coil 27 b or thesecond coil 28 b and a drive instruction signal for the servo motor 24.

Now, the operation of the first embodiment of the invention will beexplained. In response to the inside-outside air switching signal fromthe control device, the first inside-outside air switching door 6rotatively moves to an outside air introducing position where the insideair path 5 is closed and the first outside air inlet 4 is open or aninside air circulating position where the inside air path 5 is open andthe first outside air inlet 4 is closed. The control device sends asignal to both the drive unit of the first inside-outside air switchingdoor 6 and the drive unit of the second inside-outside air switchingdoor 15 at the same time. In the case where the first inside-outside airswitching door 6 moves rotatively to the outside air introducingposition, for example, the second inside-outside air switching door 15opens the path between the second air path 14 and the interior of thecompartments. With the movement of the first inside-outside airswitching door 6 to the inside air circulating position, on the otherhand, the second inside-outside air switching door 15 moves to theposition where the path between the second air path 14 and the interiorof the compartments is shut off.

The first blower 7 is driven by the first blower motor 8 and sends theair into the compartments. The first blower motor 8 is controlled by ablower voltage signal from the control device. The air from the firstblower 7 is sent along the direction of arrow X to the first air path 9.The air thus blown enters the compartments through the first magneticthermal storage unit 10 or the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16.Also, the blown air is passed through the filter 11, the moistureabsorber 12 and the magnetic thermal storage medium 13 in that order inthe first air path 9. In the filter 11, the dust and dirt in the air canbe moved. Each moisture absorber 12 dehumidifies the air, and is made ofsilica gel or zeolite, for example. The magnetic thermal storage media13 can regulate the air temperature.

The second blower 17 is driven by the second blower motor 18 and sendsthe air from the second air path on the rear side of the vehicle in thedirection of arrow Y toward the front side of the vehicle. The airflowing in the second air path 14 is discharged out of the compartmentsthrough the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 or the secondmagnetic thermal storage unit 16. The air before being discharged ispassed through the magnetic thermal storage medium 13, the moistureabsorber 12 and the filter 11 in that order in the second air path 14.When the air passes through the magnetic thermal storage medium 13, heatcan be absorbed from or radiated to the air. In the case where heat isradiated to the air, the moisture absorber 12 arranged downstream in theair flow can be heated and therefore can be efficiently regenerated.Also, in view of the fact that the air flows in the direction oppositeto the direction in which the dust and dirt are attached to the filter11, the surface dust and dirt of the filter 11 can be removed.

The control device sends a signal to the first blower 7, the secondblower 17, the first inside-outside air switching door 6 and the secondinside-outside air switching door 15 while at the same time sending acontrol signal to the servo motor 24. The servo motor 24, upon receiptof the control signal from the control device, rotates in one directionand drives the driving-side rotor 22 until the first magnetic thermalstorage unit 10 and the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16 reachpredetermined positions in the first air path 9 and second air path 14,respectively. With the arrival of the first magnetic thermal storageunit 10 and the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16 at thepredetermined positions in the first air path 9 and second air path 14,respectively, the servo motor 24 rotates in the opposite direction anddrives the driving-side rotor 22 in the opposite direction. By repeatingthis operation, the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and thesecond magnetic thermal storage unit 16 move alternately to the firstair path 9 and second air path 14.

The electric current is adapted to flow in one of the firstelectromagnet 27 of the first air path 9 and the second electromagnet 28of the second air path 14. In the case where the air temperature in thecompartments is lower than the set temperature input to the temperaturesetting unit, for example, the first electromagnetic 27 is energized.Thus, the magnetic thermal storage media 13 of the first magneticthermal storage unit 10 and the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16are magnetized and heated thereby to heat the air in the first air path9. In the process, the power of the second electromagnet 28 is switchedoff. In the case where the air temperature in the compartments is higherthan the set temperature input to the temperature setting unit, on theother hand, heat is absorbed from the air in the first air path 9 byenergizing the second electromagnet 28. In the process, the power of thefirst electromagnet 27 is switched off.

Next, the operation and the effects of the first embodiment of theinvention are explained.

(1) In the case where the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and thesecond magnetic thermal storage unit 16 each include the moistureabsorber 12 in addition to the magnetic thermal storage medium 13, thedehumidification capability is improved. Also, the sensible heat afterdehumidification is lowered in cooling mode, and therefore the coolingeffect is improved. Also, the moisture is released from the moistureabsorber 12 by the heat of the magnetic thermal storage medium 13 in thesecond air path 14 thereby to regenerate the moisture absorber 12. Inthe heating mode, on the other hand, the reduction in humidity in thecompartments can be suppressed by increasing the temperature of themoisture absorber 12.

(2) In the case where the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and thesecond magnetic thermal storage unit 16 each include the filter 11 inaddition to the magnetic thermal storage medium 13, the dust and dirtcontained in the air blown into the compartments can be removed. Also,in view of the fact that the dust and dirt removed by the filter 11 aredischarged out of the compartments when the first magnetic thermalstorage unit 10 or the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16 moves tothe second air path 14, the fouling of the air in the compartments canbe continuously suppressed while at the same time preventing the filters11 from loading. Further, the magnetic thermal storage media 13 and themoisture absorbers 12 are protected on the one hand and the offensiveodor due to the fouling of the filters 11 can be suppressed on the otherhand.

(3) The first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and the second magneticthermal storage unit 16 move up and down alternately, so that the airconditioning operation can be continuously performed.

Next, a second embodiment is explained with reference to FIG. 4.According to the first embodiment, the magnetic field generating meansincludes the first electromagnet 27 and the second electromagnet 28arranged outside of the first air path 9 and the second air path 14,respectively. The second embodiment is different from the firstembodiment in that as shown in FIG. 4, permanent magnets 37 arerotatably arranged on the outside of the first air path 9 and the secondair path 14. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first air path 9 andthe second air path 14. In FIG. 4, the longitudinal and vertical arrowsindicate the directions in which the vehicle is positioned and thedirection in which the temperature regulation apparatus of a magneticthermal storage medium type is mounted on the vehicle. In FIG. 4, adrive gear 38 is arranged substantially at the middle position invertical direction of the first air path 9 and the second air path 14. Adrive shaft 39 is arranged at the central portion of the drive gear 38.The drive shaft 39 is formed as a cylinder. The drive shaft 39 isarranged through the first air path 9 and the second air path 14 fromone side surface to the other side surface thereof. A permanent magnet37 is arranged on each of one and the other side surfaces of the driveshaft 39. The permanent magnets 37 each are formed as a rectangle, forexample. A worm gear 40 is arranged on the left side of the drive gear38 in the page. One end of the worm gear 40 is connected to the servomotor 41, and the other end thereof rotatably supported by a supportmember 42.

The operation of the second embodiment is explained. In response to adrive instruction from a control device not shown, the servo motor 41 isstarted to rotationally drive the worm gear 40. With the rotation of theworm gear 40, the drive gear 38 is rotated by the worm gear 40. With therotation of the drive gear 38, the drive shaft 39 is rotated. Thepermanent magnets 37 arranged on the drive shaft 39 move to the sidesurface of one of the first air path 9 and the second air path 14.

The use of the permanent magnets 37 in place of the first electromagnet27 and the second electromagnet 28 in the second embodiment produces thesame effect as in the first embodiment.

Next, a third embodiment of the invention is explained with reference toFIG. 6. According to the first and second embodiments, the moistureabsorber 12 and the magnetic thermal storage medium 13 are arranged injuxtaposition with each other in each of the first magnetic thermalstorage unit 10 and the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16.According to the third embodiment, however, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,each magnetic thermal storage unit is formed by integrating eachmagnetic thermal storage medium 13 and the corresponding moistureabsorber 12 with each other. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the longitudinal andvertical arrows designate the directions in which the vehicle ispositioned, and the direction in which the temperature regulationapparatus of a magnetic thermal storage medium type is mounted on thevehicle. Also, FIG. 5 shows the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10and the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16 with each magneticthermal storage medium 13 and the corresponding moisture absorber 12integrated with each other. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining theinternal structure of the magnetic thermal storage unit with themagnetic thermal storage media 13 and the moisture absorbers 12integrated with each other.

As shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic thermal storage media 13 are arrangedon a corresponding seat 40 and each is covered with the correspondingmoisture absorber 12. The seat 40 is corrugated. A plurality of thecorrugated seats 40 are prepared, and a flat plate 41 for partitioningthe seats 40 is arranged between each adjacent seats 40. The air isadapted to flow longitudinally to the seats 40.

According to the third embodiment, as described above, each magneticthermal storage medium 13 is covered with the moisture absorber 12 andarranged on the corresponding seat 40. The seats 40 configured this wayare arranged in the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and thesecond magnetic thermal storage unit 16. For this reason, the firstmagnetic thermal storage unit 10 and the second magnetic thermal storageunit 16 according to this embodiment can be reduced in size as comparedwith the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and the second magneticthermal storage unit 16, respectively, according to the first and secondembodiments. Also, each magnetic thermal storage medium 13 and thecorresponding moisture absorber 12 are in direct contact with each otherand, therefore, the moisture absorbers 12 can be efficientlyregenerated.

Next, a fourth embodiment is explained with reference to FIG. 7.According to the first to third embodiments, the first magnetic thermalstorage unit 10 and the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16 exchangeheat with the blown air to regulate the temperature of the compartments.The fourth embodiment, however, is different from the first to thirdembodiments in that as shown in FIG. 7, an evaporator 42 for cooling theair through a refrigerant and a heater core 43 for exchanging heatbetween the engine cooling water and the passing air are arranged in thecompartments apart from the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 andthe second magnetic thermal storage unit 16. FIG. 7 is a sectional viewschematically showing the vehicle in longitudinal position. Thelongitudinal and vertical arrows in FIG. 7 indicate the directions inwhich the vehicle is positioned and also the direction of thetemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype mounted on the vehicle.

In FIG. 7, the evaporator 42 and the heater core 43 are arrangeddownstream of the blower 7 in the air flow to regulate the temperatureof the air supplied to the compartments.

According to the fourth embodiment, the first magnetic thermal storageunit 10, the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16, the evaporator 42and the heater core 43 are arranged in the compartments, and thereforethe conditioned air provides an improved sense of warmth. Also, thevisibility is improved against fogging, if any, of the windshield glassof the vehicle. Further, the windshield glass is prevented from foggingduring the inside air circulation mode operation in the winter season.

A fifth embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference toFIG. 8. In the fourth embodiment, the evaporator 42 and the heater core43 are arranged upstream of the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10and the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16 in the air flowindependently of the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and thesecond magnetic thermal storage unit 16. The fifth embodiment isdifferent from the fourth embodiment in that in the fifth embodiment,the heater core 43 is arranged downstream of the first magnetic thermalstorage unit 10 and the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16. Thelongitudinal and vertical arrows in FIG. 8 indicate the directions inwhich the vehicle are positioned and also the direction of thetemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype mounted on the vehicle.

In FIG. 8, the evaporator 42 is arranged downstream of the blower 7 inthe air flow, while the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10, thesecond magnetic thermal storage unit 16 and the heater core 43 arearranged downstream of the evaporator 42. By doing so, both the coolingcapacity and the heating capacity are desirably improved in cooling andheating modes, respectively.

Now, a sixth embodiment is explained with reference to FIG. 9. In thefirst embodiment, the first blower 7 and the second blower 17 are drivenseparately from each other by the first blower motor 8 and the secondblower motor 18, respectively. In the sixth embodiment, on the otherhand, the first blower 7 and the second blower 17 are driven at the sametime by a single blower motor 8 as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is asectional view schematically showing the first air path 9 and the secondair path 14 in vertical direction. In FIG. 9, the longitudinal andvertical arrows indicate the directions in which the vehicle ispositioned and also the direction of the temperature regulationapparatus of a magnetic thermal storage medium type mounted on thevehicle.

In FIG. 9, the first blower 7 and the second blower 17 each make up amultiblade tangential fan (cross flow fan) in which the gas passesthrough a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the impellers. Theblower motor 8 for the first blower 7 and the second blower 17 isarranged at a position intermediate between the first blower 7 and thesecond blower 17. The driving shaft of the blower motor 8 is connectedto the first blower 7 and the second blower 17. As a result, as comparedwith the first embodiment, the number of blower motors can be decreasedon the one hand and the temperature regulation apparatus of a magneticthermal storage medium type can be reduced in size on the other hand.Also, as the first blower 7 and the second blower 17 are driven by asingle blower motor 8, the air capacity can be matched between the firstblower 7 and the second blower 17.

Next, a seventh embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 10.According to the first to sixth embodiments, the first magnetic thermalstorage unit 10 and the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16 arearranged to alternate between the first air path 9 and the second airpath 14 thereby to assume two states in which the magnetic thermalstorage medium 13 is magnetized and demagnetized. The seventh embodimentis different from the first to sixth embodiments in that the first airpath 9 and the second air path 14 are formed by defining a cylindricalpipe longitudinally to the vehicle and a circular magnetic thermalstorage unit 50 is rotatably movably arranged in the pipe thereby toassume two states including magnetization and demagnetization of themagnetic thermal storage medium 13 by rotating the circular magneticthermal storage unit 50. The magnetic thermal storage unit 50 isarranged to allow the air to pass therethrough longitudinally to thevehicle. In FIG. 10, the longitudinal and vertical arrows indicate thedirections in which the vehicle is positioned and also the direction inwhich the temperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storagemedium type is mounted on the vehicle.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view schematically showing the vehicle 1 inlongitudinal position. The first air path 9 and the second air path 14in FIG. 10 are formed by defining a cylindrical pipe runninglongitudinally of the vehicle. Specifically, a partitioning plate 52 isarranged at the vertically central portion in the cylindrical pipe. Thepartitioning plate 52 is formed with holes, not shown, for establishingcommunication between the first air path 9 and the second air path 14. Acircular magnetic thermal storage unit 50 and a motor 51 for rotativelydriving the magnetic thermal storage unit 50 are arranged in thecommunication holes. A rotary shaft not shown is arranged at the centralportion of the circle of the magnetic thermal storage unit 50longitudinally of the vehicle. The part of the rotary shaft on the rearside of the vehicle is coupled to the drive shaft, not shown, of themotor 51. The part of the rotary shaft on the front side of the vehicle,on the other hand, is rotatably supported on a support member not shown.The motor 51 may alternatively be arranged on the part of the magneticthermal storage unit 50 on either the front side or the rear side of thevehicle.

According to the seventh embodiment, as in the first to sixthembodiments, the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and the secondmagnetic thermal storage unit 16 need not be moved vertically and,therefore, the configuration is simplified as compared with the first tosixth embodiments. Also, the magnetic field can be reduced in size morein the case where the magnetic thermal storage unit 50 is magnetizedthan in the case where the magnetic thermal storage media 13 of thefirst magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and the second magnetic thermalstorage unit 16 are magnetized in the first to sixth embodiments.Further, unlike the first to sixth embodiments in which the internalpressure and hence the blowdown air capacity undergoes a change with theup and down movement of the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 andthe second magnetic thermal storage unit 16, the seventh embodimentinvolves a smaller change in the internal pressure resulting in asmaller change in air capacity.

Now, an eighth embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 11.Unlike the first to seventh embodiments comprising the first magneticthermal storage unit 10 and the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16or the magnetic thermal storage unit 50 arranged in a vehicle, theeighth embodiment comprises the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10and the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16 arranged in an indoorenvironment as shown in FIG. 11. The indoor environment is indicative ofthe interior of a warehouse, a building, a computer room, a residentialhouse or the like. Like in the seventh embodiment, the circular magneticthermal storage unit 50 may be rotatably arranged in the first air path9 and the second air path 14. Also, the first air path 9 and the secondair path 14 are formed as cylindrical pipes for the arrangement of themagnetic thermal storage unit 50 according to the seventh embodiment.FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view schematically showing the indoorenvironment in one direction. In FIG. 11, the indoor environment 30 isarranged on the right side in the page, and air paths for the indoorenvironment 30 are arranged on the left side in the page. These airpaths include a first air path 9 for introducing the air into the indoorenvironment from outside and a second air path 14 for discharging theair out of the indoor environment.

The first air path 9 has arranged therein a blower 7 for sending theoutdoor air into the indoor environment and a blower motor 8 for drivingthe blower 7. The second air path 14 is arranged above the first airpath 9. The first air path 9 and the second air path 14 have arrangedtherein the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and the secondmagnetic thermal storage unit 16, respectively, vertically movably. Apermanent magnet 37 is arranged under the first air path 9. Thepermanent magnet 37 is arranged in such a manner that the magnetic fieldcovers the entire area of the magnetic thermal storage media 13 of thefirst magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and the second magnetic thermalstorage unit 16. By doing so, the indoor heating operation can beperformed.

According to the eighth embodiment, the first magnetic thermal storageunit 10 and the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16 are arranged inthe indoor environment, and therefore the same effects as the firstembodiment are produced also in the indoor space. Instead of thepermanent magnet 37, a first electromagnet 27 and a second electromagnet28 may be arranged as a magnetic field generating means. Also, thepermanent magnet 37 arranged under the first air path 9 for the heatingoperation may be removed and arranged above the second air path 14 forthe cooling operation.

Next, a ninth embodiment of the invention will be explained withreference to FIG. 12. The ninth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12,comprises a means to confirm the will of a possible occupant including aremote control unit 65 operable at a place distant from the vehicle by apossible occupant and a receiving unit 67 for receiving an operationsignal from the remote control unit 65. The receiving unit 67 isincluded in a control device 62 for controlling the various devices.According to the ninth embodiment, an indication lamp 66 indicates theair condition in the indoor environment. Thus, this indication lamp 66is capable of indicating the information corresponding to thetemperature change in the indoor environment. FIG. 12 is a sectionalview schematically a vehicle in longitudinal position. In FIG. 12, thelongitudinal and vertical arrows indicate the directions in which thevehicle is positioned and also the direction in which the temperatureregulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage medium type ismounted on the vehicle.

An electrical control unit according to this embodiment is explainedbriefly with reference to FIG. 12. A control device 62 for controllingthe various devices is arranged in the compartments. The control device62 is adapted to output a control signal to each device in response toat least an input signal from an inside air temperature sensor 63, atemperature Tset set on the temperature setting unit 64 by an occupant,an input signal from a CO₂ sensor 19 or an input signal from a remotecontrol unit 65 (such as a remote control key) for confirming the willof the possible occupant. Each device receives and is controlled bythese control signals through a dedicated control unit. The controlsignals include a control signal applied to the control unit 8 a of theblower motor 8, a control signal applied to the servo motor control unit6 b of the door shafts 6 a, 15 a, a control signal applied to thecontrol unit 24 a of the servo motor 24, a control signal applied to thecontrol units 27 d, 28 d of the first electromagnet 27 and the secondelectromagnet 28 and the control signal applied to a control unit 66 aof the indication lamp 66.

Of all these control signals, the control signal output to the controlunit 66 a of the indication lamp 66 makes it possible to indicatevarious air conditions in the compartments by different colors. As aspecific example, the indication lamp 66 is lit in red in the case wherethe compartments are so cold or hot that the possible occupant may feeldiscomfortable, yellow in the case where the temperature in thecompartments may be rather discomfortable to the possible occupant, andgreen in the case where the temperature in the compartments isconsidered to have reached a degree comfortable to the possibleoccupant.

According to the ninth embodiment, a control signal is output to eachdevice in response to an input signal from the remote control unit 65and, therefore, the vehicle can be air-conditioned before a possibleoccupant boards the vehicle. Thus, the possible occupant can start theair-conditioning system without entering the compartment. Also, theprovision of the indication lamp 66 which is lit in different ways inaccordance with the indoor air condition of the compartments makes itpossible to inform the possible occupant of the current air condition.Therefore, uncomfortable temperature and the annoying fan noises, in theinitial state of the air conditioning operation, can be avoided byobservation from outside the vehicle.

Finally, other embodiments of the invention are explained.

(1) According to the first to ninth embodiments, air is passed throughthe second air path 14 to exchange heat between the first magneticthermal storage unit 10 or the second magnetic thermal storage unit 16and the air. As an alternative, water is circulated in the heat exchangecircuit arranged in the second air path 14, so that heat is exchangedbetween the water and the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 or thesecond magnetic thermal storage unit 16.

(2) According to the first to ninth embodiments, the filter 11, themoisture absorber 12 and the magnetic thermal storage medium 13 arearranged in that order from the air upstream side of the first air path9 in the first magnetic thermal storage unit 10 and the second magneticthermal storage unit 16. As an alternative, the arrangement may be thefilter 11, the magnetic thermal storage medium 13 and the moistureabsorber 12 in that order.

(3) According to the seventh embodiment, the motor 51 is arranged at thecenter of the magnetic thermal storage unit 50 thereby to rotate themagnetic thermal storage unit 50. As an alternative, a gear is formed onthe outer periphery of the magnetic thermal storage unit 50 and drivenby another gear formed on the motor 51 thereby to rotate the magneticthermal storage unit 50.

(4) According to the ninth embodiment, the indication lamp 66 isarranged to indicate the air condition in the compartments. As analternative, the air condition may be indicated by voice.

While the invention has been described by reference to specificembodiments chosen for purposes of illustration, it should be apparentthat numerous modifications could be made thereto by those skilled inthe art without departing from the basic concept and scope of theinvention.

1. A temperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storagemedium type comprising: an air path (9) through which the air is allowedto flow; a heat exchange path (14) through which a heat exchanging fluidis allowed to flow; at least a magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16,50) including a magnetic thermal storage medium (13) which increases tohigh temperature due to the magneto-caloric effect when magnetized anddecreases to low temperature when demagnetized; and a magnetic fieldgenerating means (27, 28, 37) for generating a magnetic field inselected one of said air path (9) and said heat exchange path (14);wherein said magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) is movable tosaid air path (9) and said heat exchange path (14); wherein with themovement of said magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to said airpath (9), said magnetic thermal storage medium (13) is set in one ofsaid high temperature state and said low temperature state depending onselected one of magnetization and demagnetization of said magnetic fieldgenerating means (27, 28, 37), while, with the movement of said magneticthermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to said heat exchange path (14), saidmagnetic thermal storage medium (13) is set in the other of said hightemperature state and said low temperature state depending on selectedone of magnetization and demagnetization of said magnetic fieldgenerating means (27, 28, 37); and wherein, in the case where saidmagnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) moves to said air path (9)and said magnetic thermal storage medium (13) is set in said hightemperature state, heat is radiated to said air while in the case wheresaid magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) moves to said air path(9) and said magnetic thermal storage medium (13) is set in said lowtemperature state, heat is absorbed from said air.
 2. A temperatureregulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage medium type accordingto claim 1, wherein said magnetic field generating means (27, 28, 37) isarranged in said air path (9) and said heat exchanging path (14).
 3. Atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic field generating means(27, 28, 37) is adapted to move to selected one of said air path (9) andsaid heat exchange path (14).
 4. A temperature regulation apparatus of amagnetic thermal storage medium type according to claim 1, wherein saidheat exchanging fluid is the air, and said magnetic thermal storage unit(10, 16, 50) is integrated with a moisture absorber (12) for absorbingthe moisture from the air.
 5. A temperature regulation apparatus of amagnetic thermal storage medium type according to claim 1, wherein saidair path (9), said heat exchange path (14), said magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) and said magnetic field generating means (27,28, 37) are arranged in an automotive vehicle, said apparatus furthercomprising a first outside air inlet (4) for introducing the air fromoutside said vehicle to said air path (9), an inside air path (5) forintroducing the air in said vehicle to said air path (9), and a firstinside-outside air switching door (6) arranged upstream of said air path(9) in the air flow for switching said outside air and said inside air,and wherein the air flows into said air path (9) from said first outsideair inlet (4) to thereby control the air condition in the compartmentsof said vehicle when said first inside-outside air switching door (6)turns to the outside air introduction side.
 6. A temperature regulationapparatus of a magnetic thermal storage medium type according to claim5, further comprising: a first blower (7) for sending a selected one ofsaid outside air and said inside air to said air path (9); a secondoutside air inlet (29) for introducing the outside air to said heatexchange path (14); an inside air inlet (14 a) for introducing theinside air to said heat exchange path (14); an air outlet (14 b) fordischarging the air from said heat exchange path (14); a secondinside-outside air switching door (15) for switching between the insideair from said inside air inlet (14 a) and the outside air from saidsecond outside air inlet (29); and a second blower (17) for sending aselected one of said outside air and said inside air from said heatexchange path (14) to said air outlet (14 b).
 7. A temperatureregulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage medium type accordingto claim 6, wherein, said second blower (17) and said first blower (7)are arranged adjacently to each other.
 8. A temperature regulationapparatus of a magnetic thermal storage medium type according to claim4, wherein the movement of said magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16,50) to said air path (9) sets said magnetic thermal storage medium (13)in said low temperature state, and the movement of said magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) to said heat exchange path (14) sets saidmagnetic thermal storage medium (13) in said high temperature state, andwherein, with the movement of said magnetic thermal storage unit (10,16, 50) to said air path (9), said moisture absorber (12) is locatedupstream of said magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) in the airflow and said magnetic thermal storage medium (13) is located downstreamof said magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow,while with the movement of said magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16,50) to said heat exchange path (14), said magnetic thermal storagemedium (13) is located upstream of said magnetic thermal storage unit(10, 16, 50) in the air flow and said moisture absorber (12) is locateddownstream of said magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) in the airflow.
 9. A temperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermalstorage medium type according to claim 4, wherein the movement of saidmagnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to said air path (9) setssaid magnetic thermal storage medium (13) in said high temperaturestate, and the movement of said magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16,50) to said heat exchange path (14) sets said magnetic thermal storagemedium (13) in said low temperature state, wherein with the movement ofsaid magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to said air path (9),said magnetic thermal storage medium (13) is located upstream of saidmagnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow and saidmoisture absorber (12) is located downstream of said magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow, while with the movement ofsaid magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to said heat exchangepath (14), said moisture absorber (12) is located upstream of saidmagnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow and saidmagnetic thermal storage medium (13) is located downstream of saidmagnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow.
 10. Atemperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage mediumtype according to claim 4, wherein said magnetic thermal storage medium(13) and said moisture absorber (12) are accommodated in the samecontainer.
 11. A temperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermalstorage medium type according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) includes a filter (11) for removing dust anddirt from the air.
 12. A temperature regulation apparatus of a magneticthermal storage medium type according to claim 11, wherein with themovement of said magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to said airpath (9), said filter (11) is located upstream of said magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow and said magnetic thermalstorage medium (13) is located downstream of said magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow, while with the movement ofsaid magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) to said heat exchangepath (14), said magnetic thermal storage medium (13) is located upstreamof said magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow andsaid filter (11) is located downstream of said magnetic thermal storageunit (10, 16, 50) in the air flow.
 13. A temperature regulationapparatus of a magnetic thermal storage medium type according to claim1, wherein said magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) includes afirst magnetic thermal storage unit (10) and a second magnetic thermalstorage unit (16), wherein with the movement of one of said firstmagnetic thermal storage unit (10) and said second magnetic thermalstorage unit (16) to said air path (9), the other of said first magneticthermal storage unit (10) and said second magnetic thermal storage unit(16) moves to said heat exchange path (14), and wherein said magneticthermal storage medium (13) alternates between said high temperaturestate and said low temperature state in accordance with the movement ofsaid first magnetic thermal storage unit (10) and said second magneticthermal storage unit (16).
 14. A temperature regulation apparatus of amagnetic thermal storage medium type according to claim 1, wherein saidair path (9), said heat exchange path (14), said magnetic thermalstorage unit (10, 16, 50) and said magnetic field generating means (27,28, 37) are arranged in a vehicle to cool a specific portion of theinterior of said vehicle at least by the air passing through said airpath (9).
 15. A temperature regulation apparatus of a magnetic thermalstorage medium type according to claim 14, further comprising: aboarding will confirming means (65) for confirming the will of apossible occupant outside a vehicle to board said vehicle, wherein whena possible occupant is confirmed to board said vehicle by said means(65), said magnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) and said magneticfield generating means (27, 28, 37) are activated.
 16. A temperatureregulation apparatus of a magnetic thermal storage medium type accordingto claim 14, further comprising: announcing means (66) for detecting thecontrol of the air-conditioning operation in said vehicle with saidmagnetic thermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) and said magnetic fieldgenerating means (27, 28, 37) activated and announcing, externally tothe vehicle, the information corresponding to said control of theair-conditioning operation.
 17. A temperature regulation apparatus of amagnetic thermal storage medium type according to claim 14, furthercomprising: an air-conditioning unit (42, 43) including an evaporatoractivated by an internal drive source of the vehicle for cooling the airthrough a refrigerant, wherein, upon detection that the air-conditioningcapacity of said air-conditioning device is insufficient, said magneticthermal storage unit (10, 16, 50) and said magnetic field generatingmeans (27, 28, 37) are activated.